Stratum© Photo Healy Racing
Stratum is the sole Irish contender among 29 entries for the first running of the 100,000 pound JLT Cup over two miles at Newbury on Saturday.
The five-year-old joined Willie Mullins from John Gosden’s yard last year and made a successful debut over hurdles at Galway in September.
He has since reverted to the Flat and was last seen finishing a fine third behind stable companion Lagostovegas in the Ascot Stakes over two and a half miles at the Royal meeting.
Jim Goldie is looking to step Sir Chauvelin back up in trip after he finished down the field in last Saturday’s John Smith’s Cup at York.
The Authorized gelding had little luck when unplaced behind his stablemate Euchen Glen on the Knavesmire, but had fared better when third to Withhold in the Northumberland Plate over an extended two miles at Newcastle two weeks earlier.
Goldie is eyeing a crack at the Ebor at York next month with Sir Chauvelin and believes this is an ideal prep.
"We are keen to come to Newbury as this is the last real opportunity for him to have a run before the Ebor at York next month. This new race has a good strategic place in the calendar," said the Glasgow handler.
"Hopefully, he can turn up at his best and run well. I just hope we are not going to the well once too often with him."
Northumberland Plate fifth Island Brave could take his chance for Wantage handler Heather Main.
"Island Brave came out of Northumberland Plate absolutely fine. He met quite a lot of interference in the race and we felt he ran really well,” she said.
"He is ready to go again and the JLT Cup looks like where he will go."
